RAIL commuters were offered a glimmer of hope today (Wednesday, August 28), despite a second day of strike action by First North Western (FNW) train drivers.

Bosses and Aslef union officials have agreed to re-open negotiations on their wage dispute tomorrow (Thursday August 29).

Talks between the two at industrial peacemaker Acas failed to even get started last week.

But FNW managing director Vernon Barker said: "We are pleased that Aslef have agreed to re-enter negotiations and we hope they are as committed as we are to finding an amicable arrangement to end this dispute.

"It has always been, and remains, our aim to reach a solution as soon as possible to end the needless suffering forced on our passengers and the rail industry as a whole."

The union rejected a 19% three year pay offer claiming it came with too many strings attached for drivers of trains on the cross country service which operates out of Liverpool Lime Street.

Drivers staged their first 48 hour strike earlier this month and another which began yesterday. A further stoppage is planned for September 10-11.